I wrote about the Hilton Hawaiian Village earlier this year, as it celebrates 65 years in operation. It was Henry Kaiser’s first venture into the hotel business when it opened on Sept. 17, 1955. Read more
Misae Hironaka told me, “Decades ago there used to be a restaurant called Rob Roy’s in Kailua. My family and I remember it fondly as it was our favorite night-out place. Do you have any history regarding that restaurant and its owner?” Read more
Myles Takahashi wrote to me last month. He formerly resided on Kamanuwai Lane, which is about where Maunakea Street is, mauka of Beretania Street. Read more
There are often news stories about Edward, the Prince of Wales, who gave up the British throne for Wallis Simpson, the woman he loved. Read more
“Back in the 1950s many families, including mine, had beautiful rattan furniture,” Jo Anne Yamamoto told me. What is their history? Read more
Last month I wrote about John Wayne owning The Forbidden City, originally on the corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue. Read more
It’s time to open my mailbag and reply to questions from readers about local restaurants. Read more
This week is the 75th anniversary of V-J Day — Victory over Japan Day. In this, my 10th and last article in this series on the end of World War II, I look at some remarkable island people who were aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay that day to witness history in the making. Read more
As we approach the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II next week, I thought I’d share some stories from a book about Adm. Chester A. Nimitz, who commanded the U.S. Naval Forces during the war. Read more
Following the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Hawaii, the War Department evacuated all 110,000 persons of Japanese ancestry from the west coast to internment camps. Read more
In July, I mentioned Albert and Wallace Teruya left Kewalo Inn to start Times Grill cafe, and then Times Supermarket. Two weeks later, I found out why they switched from restaurants to markets. I don’t know anyone else who’s ever done that. Read more
As part of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, I’ve been writing a series of articles about the war, and particularly Hawaii’s connections to it. Here’s the sixth in that series. Read more
The Japanese attack focused on Oahu’s military bases, but civilians within 20 miles found themselves in the crossfire. Read more
Fashion designer Nake‘u Awai asked me about Christian’s Hut, a restaurant/lounge at Ward Avenue and Ala Moana Boulevard, where Ward Warehouse later was located. He worked there briefly in the 1950s before going to the University of Washington. Read more
Readers asked me about a few Chinese-owned businesses recently. About 120 years ago over half the small businesses in Hawaii were owned by Chinese entrepreneurs. Read more
In December 1941 the Imperial Japanese Navy launched an attack on Hawaii. Pearl Harbor was the main target since most of our battleships were there. Read more
It’s time to open up the old mail bag and answer some reader questions. I try to do this every four to six weeks, so feel free to send in any questions you have. Read more
With the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II approaching Sept. 2, I’m writing several columns about it. Read more
Recently, I found out that Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and Hilo High School had a special connection. It began when the seniors put on an “I Love Lucy” play at the school in 1954. Read more
This summer marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. To honor those who served, I plan to write a series of articles, from the start of the war to the surrender ceremonies onSept. 2, 1945. Read more
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